Warning over fake vodka

Police at Colchester have seized bottles of fake vodka that it is believed may contain dangerous chemicals such as chloroform.

Officers found 14 bottles on sale yesterday, (Sunday, August 23) during a search of a shop in the town centre.

The fake vodka was discovered in bottles labelled as Russian Empire, a well-known brand that normally retails for around £27. It was being offered for sale at £12.

Inspector Jarvis at Colchester police station said: “We were contacted by a member of the public who was concerned that illicit vodka was on sale in the town.

“We are aware of fake alcohol being sold in other parts of the country but we believe this is the first time this potentially dangerous mixture of vodka and other chemicals has been found in shops in Colchester.

“We would advise people to be wary about this sort of vodka and contact us if they know where it is being sold. Fake alcohol is a serious problem and people should remember that if the low price appears too good to be true, it may be an illegal product.”

Police will be working with Trading Standards to investigate this matter